Saudi Arabian clubs to make 'mega offers' for Barcelona and Real stars
Saudi Arabian clubs will make ‘mega offers’ for Barcelona and Real Madrid’s ‘untouchable’ stars… as their recruitment drive continues after Karim Benzema agrees Al-Ittihad move
- Saudi authorities are seeking to recruit global stars to join their domestic league
- Karim Benzema is set to join Al-Ittihad in a deal worth a reported £345million
- Saudi Arabian are reportedly hopeful of securing more Barcelona and Real stars
Saudi Arabian clubs are reportedly preparing to make ‘mega offers’ to players Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid view as ‘untouchable’ to convince them to join this summer.
The Saudi authorities are continuing a drive to bring in high-calibre players who have played in Champions League or World Cup finals to their top division.
Karim Benzema became the latest big-name to agree a move to the country, with the French striker deciding to leave Real Madrid after 14 years in the Spanish capital.
Benzema is expected to complete a move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad after agreeing a two-year deal with the Jeddah-based club worth around £345m.
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti had admitted he was surprised to see Karim Benzema leave Real Madrid at this time.
Karim Benzema has agreed to swap Real Madrid for Al-Ittihad following a mega money offer
Al-Ittihad are among the Saudi Arabian clubs expected to make offers to Real and Barca stars
Sergio Busquets is expected to be the latest to move from La Liga to join a club in Saudi Arabia
According to Spanish journalist Jose Luis Sanchez, Saudi Arabian sides are continuing to target Barcelona and Real Madrid’s ‘untouchable’ stars.
The clubs are expected to table mega money offers to players in a bid to convince them to swap La Liga for the Saudi Pro League.
Benzema’s imminent arrival follows Al Nassr completing the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo in December, following the 38-year-old’s acrimonious Manchester United exit.
Al-Hilal want to sign Argentine World Cup winner Lionel Messi, 35, after he left Paris Saint-Germain and are believed to be preparing a lucrative deal worth £345m per season.
Sergio Busquets is expected to join Al-Hilal this summer, after deciding to leave Barcelona at the end of his contract.
Luka Modric is yet to sign a new contract at Real Madrid, although sources say he has declined the offer of a move to Saudi Arabia and wants to stay.
The recruitment drive looks set to step up further after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund announced it had taken ownership of the country’s four leading football clubs.
The country’s sovereign wealth fund has taken a 75 per cent stake in Al-Ittihad as well as Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli.
Lionel Messi has been heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabia ahead of his PSG departure
The Saudi PIF tweeted on Monday it had taken 75 per cent ownership of four leading clubs
PIF claim the takeovers will ‘unleash commercial opportunities’ for the four clubs involved
The official PIF Twitter account said: ‘As part of today’s announcement of the Sport Clubs Investment and Privatisation Project, four Saudi clubs – Al Ittihad, Al Ahli, Al Nassr and Al Hilal – have been transformed into companies, each of which is owned by PIF and non-profit foundations for each club.’
They added: ‘PIF’s ownership in the clubs’ companies represent 75 per cent in each club, while their respective non-profit foundations hold 25 per cent ownership of each club.
‘The transfer of the four clubs will unleash various commercial opportunities, including investment, partnership and sponsorships across numerous sports.’
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